RPA Looks Forward to ProMat 2017

The Reusable Packaging Association (RPA) will once again host its Reusable Packaging Pavilion this coming April, for the first time at the ProMat show. RPA has offered its Reusable Packaging Pavilion several times at the PACK EXPO show, as well as at the MODEX 2015 show. In conjunction with the Pavilion, RPA will also host a series of presentations at the adjoining Sustainability Solutions Theater. This combination of exhibits and education presentations is similar to its highly successful Reusable Packaging Pavilion format at PACK EXPO. Space at the Pavilion is essentially sold out, according to Tim Debus, RPA President. Some RPA members such as ORB IS Corporation (S1803) and Schaefer Systems International (S2903) had already booked space prior to RPA making the decision to participate, and as a result, they are located outside of the Pavilion area.

Debus notes that the Reusable Packaging Pavilion offers an unparalleled value for members to promote their offerings, participate in the reusable packaging community and talk about sustainability and their programs at the Sustainable Solutions Theater. In addition, this year`s ProMat show also is colocated with Automate 2017, allowing a broader spectrum of attendees to find out more about the best in reusable packaging

A number of reusable packaging presentations are scheduled for the Sustainable Solutions Theater, as well as other presentations of sustainability interest including one from leading outdoor retailer REI. The following lists are current as of March 16, 2017. Readers are encouraged to check listings at www.reusables.org to see if there are any updates. If you cannot attend ProMat 2017, make plans to attend the upcoming PACK EXPO Las Vegas show, to be held September 25 – 27, 2017.

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm. Reusable Packaging for a Sustainable Supply Chain, presentation by Tim Debus, RPA. Reusable packaging systems continue to expand as a preferred means to achieve both performance and sustainability in the transport of goods through supply chains. Learn why reuse is the circular solution for sustainable transport packaging and how industry trends and technology developments are creating reuse opportunities in the future.

2:00 pm – 3:00 pm.Sustainable Distribution Center Design, presentation by Rick Bingle, REI. When REI made the choice to build the most sustainable distribution center in the world, they also committed to sharing how it was done. The integrated design approach created a unique collaborative approach that stretched the imagination of what was possible. Whether challenging the energy modeling of MHE to scale the solar system or challenging what employee comfort means in a desert environment REI and their partners overcame the obstacles and achieved the design goals. REI is committed to open sourcing of the facility design and will share how a vision became reality.

11:00 am – 12:00 pm.Unlocking One-Touch Omni-Channel Distribution, presentation by REI. REI’s vision for their new facility in Arizona extended beyond sustainability and asked, “What if technology could enable picking and order assembly in one-touch?” REI then identified partners who were energized by the challenge and pursued the solution. REI will review how this vision became real in Arizona by integrating mature technologies in a new way that resets the notion of omnichannel distribution.

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm.Selecting the Right Reusable Bulk Packaging Solution For Your Supply Chain, presented by SeanMomsen, ORBIS Corporation. As supply chains become more global, the way companies move and ship product is changing rapidly. Factors like trip distance, footprint, payload, handling requirements, packaging material and labeling requirements are all critical when making packaging decisions. Attend this session to learn how to identify the most important factors for your business and select the right bulk packaging option for your application.

3:00 pm – 4:00 pm.Sustainability Trends Within Supply Chain Management, presented by Lisa Geason-Bauer, Eco-Latch Systems. Consumers today are very concerned about the impact products; services and the companies who produce them have on the greater world. Commercial buyers and end user consumers are looking for independent third party assurances regarding the health and safety of a specific product as well as detailed information on the supply chain that created that product. This session will focus on addressing trends within sustainable supply chain management, third party reporting/certification and environmental, health product declarations.

Wednesday

10:15 am – 11:00 am.Cut Reusable Packaging Losses Using Smart Logistics, presented by Steve Andon and ShawnStockman of ReturnCenter. How many of your reusables never get returned? Learn how ReturnCenter applies smart reverse logistics technologies to reduce or eliminate packaging asset losses. See how cloud-based tools connect all parties to a common set of data for maximum visibility, accountability, and control.

11:00 am – 12:00 pm.Teaming Returnable Solutions with Automation, presented by MikeChiado, Utz Group. Understanding the value proposition of combining automation with rigid returnable containers. Explore the operational benefits and execution strategies that can be implemented to meet various business case scenarios.

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm.Selecting the Right Hygienic Pallet for your Food Processing Plant, RyanRoessler, ORBIS Corporation. Cleanliness and hygiene are critical to today’s food plants. Learn how plastic pallets can be a hygienic solution for handling, storing and moving product throughout the supply chain, from the processing plant to retail distribution. We will take a look at the important characteristics of hygienic pallets and how they can support your sanitation and food safety efforts. From pallet material to design to daily usage in your facility, you will learn how hygienic plastic pallets can support your sanitation and food safety efforts. Attend this session to learn what the newest food industry trends and how plastic pallets can support your supply chain and logistics goals, while driving cleanliness in your plant.

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm. The Reuse of Corrugated Plastic to Achieve a Sustainable, High-Performing and Low-Cost Supply Chain, presented by Fred Dowd, Technology Container Corp. Corrugated plastic boxes have a long history of use in the handling and transportation of goods, and this packaging continues to offer sustainable solutions in modern day supply chains and automated facilities. Learn how the latest design and technology advancements of corrugated plastic boxes are reducing waste, saving money and protecting products in a reusable packaging system.

2:00 pm – 3:00 pm.Labeling Standard for Reusable Plastic Containers (RPCs), presented by PaulPederson, Polymer Logistics. The labeling of reusable plastic containers (RPCs) for perishable food applications requires specific materials and processes to meet regulatory, customer and container sanitation requirements. In 2016 RPA members developed a revised set of specifications and a recommended vendor list for RPC labeling to improve performance and consistency. This session outlines the updated RPC labeling standard and offers guidance to the industry to achieve compliance and best practices.